retrieving older iPod serial numbers from iTunes

[khangarhan]

My iPod was stolen today and the police wanted the serial number for the report. Apple's support page has an applet to retrieve the MOST RECENT serial number, but I had connected a friend's shuffle last. If this happens to you, don't worry, you can get the serial number for ALL devices registered to your computer.

Open this file:
Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/com.apple.iPod.plist in Property List Editor and expand Root->Devices->whatever->Serial Number

[cpragman]

At least for the iPhone, the serial number is also on the outside of the box. If you've kept the box, then you've got the number.